Prayer for quitting addictions

How to Overcome Addiction?

Most people encounter various addictions either in their own lives or in the lives of their loved ones. Some addictions may seem less obvious, such as internet or gaming addiction, or compulsive overeating, while others can be far more severe and destructive, such as drug addiction, uncontrollable lust, or gambling addiction that the person refuses to acknowledge.

Any addiction is bondage to Satan and a rejection of God. It is a great blessing when a person struggling with addiction recognizes their spiritual illness and seeks healing—a way out of this destructive enslavement. Is it possible to overcome addiction? The most important step is to cling with all your strength to the hand of your Creator, and the first and foremost way to do so is through prayer!

For many years, in Orthodox Bulgaria, the Akathist to the Mother of God before Her icon "In Search of the Lost" has been prayed specifically for all those who have gone astray and wish to overcome their passions, including those suffering from drug addiction. For those trapped in addiction without even realizing the snare they have fallen into, prayer must be fervent and collective—offered together with others who face similar struggles, strengthening each other before God in their supplications for their lost loved ones.

At the Resurrection Skete, the Akathist to the Mother of God before the icon "In Search of the Lost" is recited every Friday four times a day—at 2:00, 8:00, 14:00, and 20:00 Moscow time—so that everyone can choose a suitable time to join in the collective prayer. Through God's power, anything is possible. We must ask Him for mercy on those we love, whether it be a son trapped in gambling addiction or, even more urgently, a loved one struggling with substance abuse.

How to Quit Smoking?

Nicotine addiction is one of the most widespread dependencies in the world. Many people try to quit smoking but struggle without success. How can one stop smoking? The most important step is to fight this harmful habit with God's help by participating in church sacraments and relying on divine strength. Quitting smoking is a serious battle, and the first step is to turn to prayer, asking the Lord for deliverance from this harmful addiction that destroys health and to make a firm decision to give up cigarettes.

Together with others facing the same struggle, one can pray fervently for freedom from smoking by reading the Akathist to the Mother of God, "In Search of the Lost," every Friday at 2:00, 8:00, 14:00, or 20:00 Moscow time, choosing a suitable time for a prayer by agreement.

Prayer Against Lust

The sin of lust is just as enslaving as any other addiction—it is bondage to the deceitful power of evil. Breaking free from it is extremely difficult, and without entrusting the spiritually afflicted soul to God's hands, it is nearly impossible. However, with God, all things are possible, and He can help anyone who sincerely turns to Him in prayer for deliverance from lust or adultery. To seek healing from any addiction, believers pray to the Mother of God through the Akathist "In Search of the Lost." This prayer is offered for those struggling with lust and other destructive passions, asking the Theotokos for help, purification, and spiritual renewal.